News

Since joining the Federation for International Refractory Research and Education (FIRE) in 2009, Elkem has proudly supported a global initiative that bridges academia and industry to advance refractory science and education.

In 2010, Elkem launched a dedicated internship program in collaboration with Wuhan University of Science and Technology (WUST). Each year, we welcome one PhD or Master’s student to our research center in Kristiansand, Norway, for a six-month internship. Since 2014, FIRE has been a valued partner in supporting and strengthening this initiative.

Elkem has had the privilege of hosting and mentoring these talented students, thanks to the combined efforts of our team. With consistent supervision and hands-on support throughout their development, this program has become a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing future talent. Personally, guiding these students and witnessing their growth has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with both FIRE and Elkem.

This program has created a truly synergistic model:

• Students gain valuable international research experience
• Universities expand their global academic networks
• Industry benefits from fresh perspectives and emerging talent

The FIRE spirit - founded on openness, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence - aligns seamlessly with Elkem’s core values of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and sustainable innovation.

As one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials, Elkem is committed to shaping a better and more sustainable future. Our engagement in FIRE reflects our dedication to nurturing future talent, fostering global collaboration, and driving innovation across the refractory industry.

FIRE continues to play a pivotal role in:

• Developing a strong pipeline of young scientific talent
• Supporting continuous innovation in refractory materials
• Bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application

As an industrial partner, Elkem sees the value of FIRE extending far beyond research. It has enabled us to build a robust knowledge base while connecting with a global network of experts, future leaders, and ambassadors who are shaping the future of the refractory industry.

With FIRE’s expanding partnerships - including with ECerS - we see a bright and impactful future ahead. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and education.

   
Hong Peng
Research Scientist
ELKEM
Norway